Child labor violations at Chargers games?

Feds are investigating whether student volunteers were exploited

Elite’s group-labor agreement with San Diego High School called for the ASB to commit 30 volunteers to work at least five of the Chargers’ first six home games this year and three of the final four.

It also called on Elite to donate $40 to the organization for shifts up to nine hours. The contribution climbed to $75 for shifts exceeding nine hours.

The U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act requires employers to pay interns at least minimum wage, which is $8 an hour in California.

U.S. Department of Labor spokeswoman Deanne Amaden said she could not discuss details of the investigation because it remains active.

The concessions company Centerplate and Ace Parking, which also have contracts to work at Qualcomm Stadium, also offer local charities chances to raise money by volunteering their time at Chargers games.

Centerplate issued a statement saying the company is reviewing its policies and procedures regarding its nonprofit partners in light of the federal investigation.

“While we’re confident that our relationships fully comply with both the letter and intent of the law, this is an appropriate time for a thorough review. We thank all of our partners for their patience,” the statement said.

Keith Jones of Ace Parking said his company is proud of its group-labor program and said it has helped local clubs raise hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years.

“All of our youth volunteers must be at least 16 years old and they work in teams led by at least one adult from the group who provides supervision and assistance,” he said. “The contribution we make to organizations that provide volunteer service surpasses the minimum wage on a man-hour basis.”

Emails from booster groups supporting San Diego schools show students were expected — and sometimes required — to work weekends to raise money if they wanted to remain in various music or sports programs.

“We need your help with the following activities which support our athletes and the football program,” the University City High School website states. “Please note, football athletes will be required to participate in volunteer activities as a team requirement.”

The volunteer shifts for Ace Parking during the Chargers games stretch six to eight hours. A spokesman for the San Diego Chargers said the team had no comment on the group-labor practices during its games.